Translation and Meaning of: 大切 - taisetsu

The Japanese word 大切[たいせつ] is a term loaded with meaning, often used in everyday life and culture in Japan. If you are looking to understand its use, translation, or origin, this article will explore all of that clearly and directly. Here, you will discover how Japanese people use this expression in different contexts, from informal conversations to deeper and more emotional situations.

In addition to explaining the meaning of 大切, we will cover its writing in kanji, its pronunciation, and how to memorize it effectively. If you are a Japanese language student or just an enthusiast of the language, understanding this word will enrich your vocabulary and your understanding of Japanese culture. Shall we begin?

The meaning and translation of 大切

The word 大切[たいせつ] can be translated as "important," "precious," or "valuable." It is used to describe something or someone that deserves special care, attention, or consideration. Unlike other similar words, たいせつ carries a more affectionate tone, often related to deep feelings.

For example, the Japanese use 大切 to talk about relationships, cherished objects, or memories that hold emotional significance. It is not just about something useful or necessary, but about what is truly special in the heart of the speaker. This nuance is essential for using the word correctly.

The origin and the kanjis of 大切

The term 大切 is composed of two kanji: 大 (big) and 切 (cut, important). Together, they convey the idea of something that is "greatly important" or that "cuts deeply" in an emotional sense. This combination well reflects the weight that the word carries in the Japanese language.

It is worth noting that 切 also appears in other words related to feelings, such as 親切[しんせつ] (kindness) and 切ない[せつない] (heartbreaking). This connection helps to understand why 大切 has such a strong emotional weight, going beyond the superficial meaning of "important."

How to use 大切 in your daily life

In daily life, Japanese people use 大切 in sentences like "家族は大切です" (Family is important) or "この指輪は私にとって大切なものです" (This ring is something precious to me). Notice that the word appears in both objective and subjective contexts, always with a tone of affection or appreciation.

One tip for memorizing 大切 is to associate it with things you truly consider special. Think of people, objects, or moments that hold a deep meaning for you. This emotional connection makes it easier to retain the term and helps you use it more naturally in conversations.

The cultural importance of 大切

In Japan, the concept behind 大切 is linked to values such as respect, gratitude, and care. The word is not just an adjective, but reflects a mindset that values what truly matters in life. This explains why it appears so often in speeches, songs, and even in animes.

In works like "The Traveler of the Stars" or popular songs, 大切 is often used to convey messages about love, friendship, and perseverance. Its use in the media reinforces its role as a central term in expressing deep feelings within Japanese culture.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

重要 (Jūyō) - important, essential
大事 (Daiji) - Important, significant (with a more emotional tone)
大切な (Taisetsu na) - Valuable, precious (with emphasis on care or affection)
大切にする (Taisetsu ni suru) - To take care of, to value something or someone
大切さ (Taisetsu sa) - Value, importance (noun that expresses the quality of being valuable)

Related words

危ない

abunai

Dangerous; critical; serious; incerto; unreliable; limping; narrow; close; careful!

咄嗟

tosa

time; instantaneous

伝える

tsutaeru

to transmit; report; to communicate; tell; to transmit; to transmit; propagate; to teach; bequeath

付き合う

tsukiau

associate with; keep company; to continue

保つ

tamotsu

maintain; preserve; sustain; retain; keep; support; uphold; last; endure; keep well (food); wear out

貴い

tattoi

precious; valuable; invaluable; noble; exalted; sacred

大した

taishita

considerable; big; important; significant; a big deal

重大

jyuudai

important; heavy

重宝

jyuuhou

priceless treasure; convenience; utility

重要

jyuuyou

important; significant; fundamental; main; big

大切

Romaji: taisetsu
Kana: たいせつ
Type: Adjective, noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: important

Meaning in English: important

Definition: Important: To be important. Something worthwhile.

Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences

How to Write in Japanese - (大切) taisetsu

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (大切) taisetsu:

Example Sentences - (大切) taisetsu

See below some example sentences:

水源は大切な自然資源です。

Suigen wa taisetsu na shizen shigen desu

The water source is an important natural resource.

水源 (suigen) - Water source
は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
な (na) - particle that modifies the previous adjective
自然 (shizen) - nature
資源 (shigen) - resource
です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

歯磨きは大切です。

Haguki wa taisetsu desu

Tooth brushing is important.

Brushing your teeth is important.

歯磨き - tooth brushing
は - Topic particle
大切 - important, valuable
です - Verb "to be" in polite form

歯科医は歯の健康を守るために大切な存在です。

Shikai wa ha no kenkō o mamoru tame ni taisetsu na sonzai desu

Dentists are important to protect dental health.

歯科医 - dentist
は - Topic particle
歯の健康 - dental health
を - direct object particle
守る - protect
ために - for
大切な - important
存在 - existence
です - Verb "to be"

民主主義は大切な価値観です。

Minshu shugi wa taisetsu na kachikan desu

Democracy is an important value.

民主主義 - democracy
は - Topic particle
大切 - important, valuable
な - adjective particle
価値観 - values
です - Verb to be/estar in the present

柔軟な心が大切です。

Jūnan na kokoro ga taisetsu desu

A flexible mind is importanT.

The flexible heart is important.

柔軟な - flexible, malleable
心 - heart, mind
が - subject particle
大切 - important, valuable
です - Verb to be/estar in the present

楽しむことが大切です。

Tanoshimu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to enjoy life.

It is important to enjoy.

楽しむ - It means "have fun" or "enjoy".
こと - It is a noun that means "thing" or "fact"
が - is a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
大切 - means "important" or "valuable"
です - It is a polite way of saying "to be" or "to stay"

暮らしは大切なものです。

Kurashi wa taisetsu na mono desu

Everyday life is something important.

Living is important.

暮らし (kurashi) - everyday life
は (wa) - Topic particle
大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
な (na) - adjective particle
もの (mono) - thing
です (desu) - verb to be, polite form

採集は自然との調和を大切にする活動です。

Saishuu wa shizen to no chouwa wo taisetsu ni suru katsudou desu

Collection is an activity that values harmony with nature.

採集 - collection
は - Topic particle
自然 - nature
と - connecting particle
の - Possession particle
調和 - harmony
を - direct object particle
大切にする - to value
活動 - activity
です - verb ser (polite form)

思い切りが大切です。

Omoikiri ga taisetsu desu

Being decisive is important.

Diving is important.

思い切り (omoikiri) - means "firm decision" or "courage to act without hesitation".
が (ga) - Grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
大切 (taisetsu) - Adjective that means "important" or "valuable".
です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates a polite or respectful way of expressing oneself.

平和は大切なものです。

Heiwa wa taisetsu na mono desu

Peace is something important.

Peace is important.